Davenport, Iowa – Residents across eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois have a narrow window to prepare before a fast-moving line of severe thunderstorms sweeps through the region this evening. The storms are capable of producing destructive wind gusts up to 80 mph, isolated tornadoes and localized flash flooding, creating dangerous travel conditions during the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service Quad Cities, the leading edge of the storms is expected to reach Cedar Rapids by around 5 p.m. CDT, the Quad Cities by approximately 6:30 p.m., and Burlington by about 7 p.m. The line of storms will continue racing southeast at roughly 55 mph, allowing conditions to deteriorate quickly with little warning.
The primary hazard will be widespread damaging straight-line winds between 60 and 70 mph, with isolated gusts as high as 80 mph capable of downing trees, damaging roofs and causing scattered power outages. Forecasters also warn that the greatest tornado potential exists along and west of the Interstate 380 corridor, where storms may interact with a nearby boundary. Localized flash flooding is also possible where the strongest storms produce torrential rainfall.
Communities including Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, Muscatine and Burlington should be prepared to take shelter immediately if warnings are issued. Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, charge electronic devices and have multiple ways to receive emergency weather alerts.
Drivers should expect rapidly changing conditions as storms move through and avoid traveling during the most intense weather if possible. If a Tornado Warning is issued or damaging winds approach, move to the lowest floor of a sturdy building and stay away from windows.
Additional Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Warnings are likely as storms move southeast this evening. Continue monitoring the National Weather Service and local emergency management officials for the latest updates.
